Step by Step Guide to Clean XP Install

if you resize the image partition or play with it in any way, it becomes corrupted and useless.

 

They are suppose to send CDs that contain all of the software that you have paid for, but I'm not sure if they are doing that anymore. If the cds aren't with your shipment, then you can call and request them. You'll receive them within 2 days.

SG

 

If you dont have the CDs you can always copy down the Registration Key and download the program's trial version online and enter the key. That's what I'm doing with MusicMatch Jukebox. I also ordered the Mcafee security for 2 years and the CD came with my laptop.

 

Alright, I just finished up with doing a clean XP install. Now after the fact I notice a few things different, I'm not sure if I messed something up or what, but now I cant Hibernate, or Standby on my Laptop. It has the option of standby, but you can't select it anymore. Also when I drag a window around it seems really choppy and I know it wasn't like that before I did the clean install. Any suggestions?

oh and also when I start the computer up I always have to select to start up Windows XP (or wait until the time runs out), it says Windows XP on it twice and I have to select the top one because the bottom one dont work. How can I set it up where it automatically starts up Windows XP?

 

you have to turn hibernation on in power options under the screensaver menu. did you update the nvidia video drivers?

i forgot how to fix that start up thing, though.

 

I have yet to get the updates from the internet on my laptop yet because I dont have a wireless router yet. In fact I was just getting ready to go get one. Otherwise there's no room to work by my wired router. I was thinking that it was something to do with my drivers too. What I did was copied the dell file from my HD and then overwrighted the dell file after doing the clean install. I thought that it would be updated because I copied the file.

 

To get the hibernation and all of that, you need to update windows and your drivers. I can't remember what exactly fixes the problems, but i know it is fixed by installing the drivers or doing windows update. Since you copied that file, it should be on your harddrive, but you might have to have each hardware search for the new driver. Some are self installing, but I had the same problem. I ended up going to the device manager and any that had yellow question marks, I made it search for the new driver.

For the dual boot problem, you need to edit your boot file and delete the extra operating system line. Right click on my computer --> properties-->advanced-->startup and recovery settings-->edit the startup options file manually. You should be able to tell which is the extra line (probably will say multi) and delete it.

SG

 

Hello,
I am about to clean install my Inspiron 9300. I called Dell last week and finally got my XP CD.
I have some questions about installing the drivers:

1. [burn a copy the dell folder on your c: drive before you reformat. After reformatting, copy it back to the c: drive, and the hardware should autodetect and install the drivers. ]

Is there anything else I need to do for this option, or are they just going to update themselves?
This seems to be the easiest way from all 3 options mentioned at the first post. I am confused.

2. If I decided to keep the other partition, will I be able to do a system restore (w/ all crappy softwares that came with it) in the future?

Thanks for the help.

 

1.) the only thing you might have to do is go to your device manager after you format, and tell any hardware with yellow questionmarks to update the driver. Some of the drivers will self install once you place the Dell folder back on the C: Driver, but some aren't. Of course if you have any problems with updating the driver, you can download them from Dell's website.

2.) No. Once you format the hdd and it might even be resizing the hdd, the restore partition will no longer work. I know it definetly does not work when you reformat and put a clean system on it.

SG

 

Did you have to call them a few times? I sent an email asking for it and they said no.

I have an old XP PRO with SP1 so i dont think that will work since the o/s on my laptop is XP HOME.

Btw, nice guide SG, Ill definately be following it and trying not to ask too many dumb questions, lol.

 

You can use that Pro disk and license if it's not in use by another machine.

 

It is used on another machine, but i was wondering if i could use my old disk and use the new key that i have on the under side of my laptop.

But like i said i am not sure if this will work anyway as the disk operating system it pro sp1 and on this laptop its home sp2.

 

I think the keys are specific to the OS, the service pack probably makes no difference.

 

Regarding drivers... you all say that all that's needed is to copy the c:\dell directory, and then put it back on c:\ after the clean install is done. On my brand new i6000d, the \dell directory doesn't contain much other than the owners manual... there is a directory though, called c:\drivers that seems to have a ton of drivers in it. Do y'all think THIS is the directory to copy, or is there some compressed file in the \dell directory that I'm not seeing that is important?

Thanks... I've done lots of clean installs in the past on my desktops (which I've built from oem parts so drivers are easy to get) but I'm a little worried about getting ALL the drivers back in place for a system as proprietary as a Dell.

-Sion

 

Also, what's gained by a clean install over just uninstalling the bloatware and going through msconfig to streamline bootup?

 

This way it gets everything. There are things hidden to but it is always good to do a reformat.

 

Even if you use add/remove, it will still leave registery keys and folders behind. Its also very helpful if you are planning on creating partitions. Dell installs a ton of trial and junkware that most users do not use. Some users prefer to add/remove software, but to me it is easier to do a clean install. Its just like doing it on a desktop.

Yes, the c:/Drivers is the correct folder. I was doing this from a 9300, and mine was located in C:/Dell. It is the folder located on the C: drive that will have several folders in it with random numbers/letters.

You can also locate all of the drivers for your 6000 on Dell's website (posted in the first post). In fact, I recommend getting your drivers from Dell's website because they are usually more current and updated versus the ones on the laptop. I downloaded and saved all of the drivers for my 9300 from Dell's site, then burned them to a CD. Once I got the new system on, then I just installed all of the drivers off the CD.

All of the drivers are self installing, so if you get them from the website, you'll download .exe files and run them. Its very user friendly. I've noticed one problem with the copying method, and that is when you place the folder back on your clean system, some of the files self install, and some don't. You can check the device manager, and tell it search for the driver if for some reason it doesn't install.

SG

 

Hmmm... well neither directory has folders inside with random numbers/letters... here are two screen shots of the two folders
http://www.geocities.com/sion_priory/delldir.jpg
and
http://www.geocities.com/sion_priory/driversdir.jpg
(that one is actually the /drivers/system/onboard directory, just to show what's typically in a subdirectory... the root structure is shown in the folders window on the left.)

So, which one is the right one to keep? Maybe I should just keep both! I know I can download the drivers, but this seems like a good backup.

Oh... speaking of downloading drivers, how do I know which drivers I need to download? I assume (from the image I just posted) that there are drivers for graphics, "system" (i I guess this means motherboard/chipset?), audio, network, modem, mouse... anything else? Thanks so MUCH for your help!
-sion
PS - since those links are geocities, they are very bandwidth limited... so if it's overloaded and won't load, try back later. Thanks!

 

I got everything working the way I want it to after the clean install, but there's one thing missing. Does anyone know a way that I can get my DVD Decoder back. I wanted to play a DVD the other day and mircrosoft wanted me to buy a Decoder when I know I had one before.

 

I have the same folders as you sion, also wondering which one it is I need to burn onto cd.

 

It looks like the c:/drivers is the drivers folder. They've created individual folders for each of the hardware and then put the drivers inside of that. I would just copy the c:/drivers folder to a cd. I can't tell if that has all of the drivers, but if you are missing any, Dell has all of the drivers available for download. They also have quickset and other dell applications on their website.

For the dvd decoder:
The standard decoder for dell laptops is Cyberlink PowerDVD. You could use other ones, but I found that PowerDVD seems to work the best. You can request this CD as well as the burning software CD (Sonic RecordNow) from Dell. You should receive it within 2 business days, free of charge.

SG

 

Oh I see, thanks. My laptop should be complete after I install the decoder minus all the junk from Dell. Thanks for the guide, it helped a lot.

 

Would I notice much of a difference if I add/removed all of the unwanted programs over reinstalling everything?

I would like to skip requesting the CDs from Dell if possible, would add/removing be a better way to go and achieve almost the same effect as reinstallation?

 

BigRemo, see the two responses to my question yesterday at 10:16pm. (pg 7 of the thread).

 

I know, I read them. I just want to get a feel for how much it would benefit me. What difference it speed would I have with add/removing compared to reinstalling?

 

removing apps is a waste of time. you are left over with empty folders, hanging registry entries, and compressed executables. the systems is less stable than before and still sluggish compared to a fresh install.

in for a dime, in for a dollar. either go all the way, or just leave it as is.

 

It only took me like an hour for a clean install. Then just connect online and update all your drivers and windows updates. Then install the programs you want. 2-3 hours and you can have your computer running clean.

 

BVD: are all your devices working right? Like, is the touch pad working right? Does your touchpad have the scroll areas? I like that, and wouldn't want to loose it.

 

There is really no way to loose that. You just need to have the drivers for it. You really cant go wrong with i clean install. But you need to have all the drivers which are really easy to get, and your computer will run so much better.

 

Your touchpad will work once you do the install even if you don't have a driver for it. The big thing with the drivers and hardware is that you will *most* likely not have internet until you install your ethernet,wireless or modem driver. Also the screen will probably look strange. Once you install your video card driver, the screen will go back to normal.

You shouldn't have to request the CD from Dell. There should be a program on your laptop already that will burn a copy of XP or if you are about to order your system, then you can order a backup CD. Dell has gotten better about sending the XP cd on request. You receive it in 2 business, free of charge.

You gain a ton of space when you do a clean install. Not to mention it is healthier for your computer and you will notice faster bootup time/shut down time and quicker response when using several programs at once. Doing an add/remove will only remove the software so you can't see it. It is still on the HDD. Clean install will wipe everything clean.

 

id make sure you have a backup disc on hand for your drivers. At least the internet driver so you can access the internet. Then go to dell's download section and download all the drivers for your system so you know you have all the current drivers.

I followed through SG's guide and never had much for problems at all.

 

Just a note for anyone calling Dell about the request of cd's.

I phoned them at lunchtime yesterday, i got the 'new policy of not sending out cd's' line from the woman i spoke to then she said she would put me through to Tech Support. I had to go out so i couldnt wait in the 10 min line of calls.

I phoned again last night and got pretty much the same thing. The guy told me at the start up screen to push ctrl and F11 and that would take all of the programs off my computer and would be like a clean install.... which i found hard to believe.

Anyway in the end he put me through to his line manager to 'rate' the service i received. The line manager said doing a reset like that would only take me 10 mins where as the clean install would take me an hour. I just happened to mention that i dont mind it taking that long and i would prefer the cd's.

So he patched me through to someone else and they went through a diagnostics test on my computer with me and once that went through without any problems then i finally got the cd's. XP Home, Drivers and DVD Software cd's (hopefully) on there way to me as i speak.

Bit of persistancy pays off when you are on the phone i guess..... loooong phone call though, lol.

 

SouthernGirl,

All Inspirons shipped after July 15th 2005 do NOT have the ability to create an OS install disk. Dell removed that capability, for what reason no one seems to know.

Check out this thread at delltalk: No XP CD thread at delltalk.us.dell.com it's a long and annoying thread, but very revealing about dell's dedication (or lack thereof) to the mass consumer (i.e. Inspiron buyers not Lattitude buyers.)

-Sion

 

Well, I just called tech support, and they didn't give me any problems when I asked for the CDs (o/s, drivers, and applications). It took the guy a few minutes to create the discs to send out (I guess they have to make sure they only include what came on your computer) but otherwise, no hassles at all. Typical that you get to very different experiences almost back-to-back! Good luck! The only thing I might suggest is that I mentioned that I'm an "advanced user" and that I will be putting various operating systems on the computer at various times throughout the life of the laptop, and that I don't want to be limited by not having the original software discs. Not sure if that helped or not.

-Sion

 

Do I need to have a list of all the CD's I need when I call Dell or do they know which ones I am requesting if I ask for them?

 

Normally if you tell them that you are reformatting your system, they know what CDs to send you. They'll look at your account and determine what hardware you have, and then send CDs based on that.

Microsoft XP (OEM Version)--might take a couple of calls to get
Drivers and Utilities
Applications--contains some of the junk software
Sonic
CyberLink

Those are the ones that I received based on my system.
SG

 

Do I call Dell at 1-800-WWW-DELL or a tech support number? If it is a tech support number, where can I find it?

 

I know I'm asking a lot of dumb questions, so I found this resource for many things XP.

Just to feel like I'm contributing something, here it is.

http://www.theeldergeek.com/xp_home_install_-_graphic.htm

 

Call Tech Support, I called the normal (UK) number and got put through to them.

 

On my computer, I found this file:
file:///c:/dell/contact/help.htm

I called the business tech support number, because my i6000 was a small business purchase. You need to know your service tag number, which is printed on your pc somewhere, on a sticker/label with a bar code and the express service code (which you can also give them)
-Sion

 

I believe you can call the 1-800 number and it will connect you thru to tech support. I always use chat.

The service and express service tags are located on the bottom side of your notebook

SG

 

No you don't need to download everything from that page. There should be one driver in each category that applies to your computer. The only ones that you will not download anything from is applications, display devices, and printer devices.

My jumpdrive worked when I first reformmated, but I'm not for 100% sure that it will work.

SG

 

1.) Reformatting won't void my warranty will it?

2.) I have the media control buttons on the front of my laptop, will I still be able to use those?

3.) Will I still be able to use the quick controls like "Brightness= Fn+Up or Down Arrow"?

 

1) it shouldnt
2) You can still use them
3) Yes

 

Formatting doesn't void your warranty. Your FN keys will still work, but if you want the notice that pops up on the screen (like when you adjust the brightness, the sun pops up), you will need to install Dell's Quickset.

 

do you have to reformat the drive to get rid of all the bloatware or can you just uninstall the programs?

 

Yes you have too. It will get rid of all the registry keys to. Reformatting on a dell is basically a must

 

I reformatted last night. It took me about two and a half hours to do EVERYTHING associated with reformatting (reformat, installing drivers, getting updates, etc.). The guide was a big help, the only part I got a little confused with was the partitioning (I chose to do one big partition).

I am very pleased with my computer now, I noticed a BIG increase in overall speed and boot-up time. It also fixed an issue I was having with some internet images (see my other post).

I chose to use the drivers CD that came with my computer, none of them were outdated. I would recommend reformatting to anyone with a new Dell computer, it is so worth it. Take your time though; research a lot before you do it because it is risky if you have no idea what you're doing. I don't want to scare anyone, it's not too hard, you just have to make sure you know what you're doing before you reformat.

The one part I got hung up on was the partitioning, I wasn't sure at all about adding/deleting partitions, so I just selected the largest one to reformat. It was the NTSF one, I think it had like 50000mb free or something like that. I chose to leave the Dell restore partition 1.) because I think it's a good idea to have it incase you do something wrong in the reformat 2.) because I didn't know which one it was. I would have left it anyways though.

Like I said, it is definitely worth it. Do yourself a favor and learn how to reformat your computer. If you have a problem, the knowledgeable people on this forum will help you. I asked some dumb questions and they were still willing to help.

NOTEBOOKREVIEW.COM- the best notebook site on the net!

 

just to clear up any questions about the partitions... partitions isn't that hard, but can be a little bit confusing. I will admit my guide to partitioning is not the best, but it is hard to explain. To me, windows has a pretty good walk thru of it when you are reformatting. You just have to read it very carefully. The smallest partition is the spare partition, and once you reformat, the spare partition will no longer work.

Glad that everything worked out BigRemo

SG

 

for partitioning I just deleted all the partitions and created just one partition, the default (largest).